How do i house break a tiny dog? Would a litter box be better??

Question

I have a 6mo old chipoo (chiwawa poodle mix) she is only 2lbs. and I'm scared to let her outside with out me. but i can t get her to go when we go out side. if i stay all day out side she will do her business out doors but if i just try to walk her for a while or let her out for a few minutes, she will come back in and do her business on the floor usely on the rug infront of the tub. I heard some where that most people just litter box train small dogs? would this be my best hope for a poop and pee less floor?

I have taken out the rug and washed it with bleach and rotate it out with another. while one is washing (in bleach) the other is down. I have 3 small kids in the house so i cant just leave the mess in the rugs. and when i totally removed the rug she did her deed in the kids rooms on their rugs.

Answer 1

Take the rug outside with you when you go out with her. Congratulate her for using it outside. Once you take the rug outside. Do not put one down in the house. Take her out every other hour for the first day, then every three hours for the next few and so on until she gets the message. Some odors will sink into the walls forcing you to re-paint.

Answer 2

I have a Chihuahua - the litter box did not work for me, and he is now housetrained (took two years). Just takes longer with this breed - but you can try the box. Sounds like this puppy needs some confidence builders - obedience (basic - even at home will help).

For going outside:

Put her on a feeding and watering schedule - make sure everyone in your home follows it - she should go out after eating.

Many people just put the dog/puppy outside and watch at the window for it to go - you have to go out with her - on a leash to the same spot. When she goes - make a big deal, get really happy and give lots of verbal praise.

If you catch her 'mid-stream' in the house - clap your hands to startle her to stop - pick he up and take her outside - praise when she goes out there.

Once there is an accident, it is too late to punish - they cannot make the connection, all they know is that you are mad (NEVER rub their face in it - they will only be afraid to go in front of you). Also, don't clean it up in front of them (that is what their mom did) - so if you clean up while she is watching, she will think you are working together...

Clean up accidents with an ENZYME cleaner only - any other cleaners will not break down the proteins - and she can still smell where she went even if you cannot. Regular carpet cleaners will not clean the rug - you may have to throw it out.

Crate training will also be very important when you cannot watch her:) - at night...etc.

Take a peek at these articles - lots of good info on housebreaking and other general things (i.e. fearful dogs).

Answer 3

You can train a small breed dog to use a litter box. Much like training a rabbit, I would suggest putting a litter box where the dog does his business the most. By putting it in that place he may be encouraged to use the litter box as opposed to using the floor or carpet. I hope this works for you. Alternatively you could try puppy pads. They look like diapers and are available at most pet stores. Good luck.

Answer 4

Purina has dog Litter called Second Nature and it's really good for small dogs. You can't allow the puupy to have free run of the house ,it has no idea that it's not ok to just stop and go anywhere. Confine to one room that has a easy clean floor, sit it in the pan ever so often to get it to use it, if it makes a mistake, put that in the box so it will be attracted to go back into it next time.

Answer 5

Small dogs, large dogs are all the same. We have a North American White Shepherd which we got at the local animal shelter. He was already 2 years old and had his share of "bad" habits. When he poos or pees on the carpet it does make a huge mess so we knew we would have to take care of that quickly... well ok, it didn't happen that quickly... still he sleeps in the laundry room at night and will not go in that room. It took about 6 months to get him to understand we didn't want him going on the carpet (we scolded him the two time he did go on the carpet) and watched for signs indicating he needed to go out. By the way, he is an inside dog, we live in Florida and it is way to hot for Tarkwa outside... I can understand that since it is to hot for me too...Just watch for signs they need to be outside or get them a box with newspaper and when they look like they need to go, put them in there...

Answer 6

I would not suggest a littler box just because, dogs tend to eat the litter and it could be harmful to them. I was raised the old fashion way of training a dog. When they poop or pee on the floor I rub their nose in it swat them on the but and put them outside. It does work. There is a spray you can take outside and spray an area every time you take him outside and they will pee on that area.

Answer 7

There are some people who have been able to train their dogs to use a litter box which is not a bad idea for a dog that small. I have one that took some time to train her to go outside. Crate training is very good. I had to take her outside and stay with her long periods of time. I used a spray to mark places outside where she would go outside, but when it rains she refuses so I use pads. But my friends chihuahua uses a litter box like her cats and it has worked. There are some products like litter boxes for the inside that have grass....check that out. IT takes time, lots of patience and love. But if you love your dog, be patient with your training.

Answer 8

You can go either route as long as you are consistent. You can litter box train your small dog, as long as you're willing to clean it up and put up with the smell. Personally, I would prefer to house train your chihuahua. It takes quite a bit of patience and time, and you have to remember that puppies are not able to exert as much control over their bladders as adult dogs can. In any case, follow these steps.

1) Fill a soda can with coins, rock, etc. Then keep an eye on your dog constantly. The minute he begins to do his business in the house, shake the can and make a lot of noise. This will probably startle your dog. Immediately pick him up and take him outside.
When he finishes his business out there, be sure to use a lot of positive reinforcement (praise).

2) Get rid of the pee/poo stains and smell on the carpet to the best of your ability. The smell of existing pee and poo will invite your dog to do it again.

3) Crate train your dog at night. You obviously can't keep an eye him at night. Have him sleep in a crate. Dogs won't pee where they sleep. You'll probably have to put up with a good deal of whining, and then wake up once or twice at night to take him out to pee (try every 4 hours at a minimum).

4) Keep a regular schedule of outdoor breaks. Your dog will eventually learn that those are the times to take care of business.

Good luck and be patient!

Answer 9

I'm not too sure about the litter box but this is what I did. For the first six months of her life at least, teach her to sleep in a kennel (or hand held carrier for her size). A dog won't do their business where they sleep. I lets them know that they have to go else where, so when you catch her in the act... quickly take her out side. Don't put her nose in it! Mine took about 5 months to train but she's Shepard. I don't know if breed has anything to do with it but the kennel worked like a charm for me. Now she won't go to sleep (for the night) unless she's in it! It's also great because if you travel you can take your dogs bed with her and she won't be as likely to be acting up getting home sick.

Note: She's gonna hate the kennel at first, it's important to introduce the kennel in the morning and let her go in and out as she pleases for the day. She'll be more likely to not mind sleeping in it this way. She probably will cry for the first few nights, but not for long. I know what your thinking,.... I thought it was cruel at first too. But my hubby insisted and like I said she just loves it now!

Answer 10

Yes you can use a littler box for small dogs. They make a special litter that is for dogs. What I don't under stand is why she won't go out when you go out. She may be small but she is still a dog and should go outside. The fresh air and sunshine is good for her. Good luck